Used primarily as a flavor and fragrance additive, 2,4-decadienal is highly valued for its intense fried, fatty, and tallow-like aroma. It is a key component in creating butter, popcorn, and fried food flavors, often used in snack foods, microwave popcorn, margarine, and savory seasonings. Due to its potent odor, it is effective at low concentrations in enhancing meaty and roasted notes in processed foods. It also finds use in perfumery to add natural fatty nuances in certain scent compositions. Its stability under heat makes it suitable for use in baked and fried products where flavor must withstand high processing temperatures.